The Great Smoky Mountains sit on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, and they draw more visitors each year than any other national park in the country. It’s easy to see why. From misty mountain ridgelines to rushing waterfalls and the charming strip of downtown Gatlinburg, this destination delivers something for every kind of traveler.
Families find plenty of kid-friendly thrills both inside and outside the park, while couples discover quiet overlooks and cozy corners that feel worlds away from everyday life. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a lover of quirky mountain-town charm, the Smokies have a way of pulling you back year after year.
Here are the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains to make the most of your visit.
1. Stay in a Treehouse at Treehouse Grove
Most people sleep in hotels or standard cabins on their Smoky Mountain trip, but a treehouse makes an unforgettable home base.
Treehouse Grove offers beautifully designed treehouses perched among the trees, each with a full kitchen, private deck, and the kind of seclusion that makes a vacation feel truly restorative.
Some units are pet-friendly, some sit right beside the creek, and several feature private hot tubs for evening soaks under the mountain sky.
Browse all our available treehouses and book your stay at Treehouse Grove today.
2. Hike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Photo Credit: Theron Stripling III
Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans over 522,000 acres and offers more than 800 miles of maintained trails. Whether you are after a gentle, family-friendly stroll or a serious summit, the options here are exceptional.
A few trails stand out as must-dos for first-time visitors and returning hikers alike.
- Alum Cave Trail: A 4.6-mile round-trip hike past bluff formations and sweeping mountain views, leading to one of the most dramatic overlooks in the park. For a longer, more challenging 11-mile hike, head to Mount Le Conte from Alum Cave Trail.
- Chimney Tops Trail: A strenuous 3.7-mile round-trip with some rocky scrambling near the top, rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding ridgelines. We highly recommend this one for the experienced hiker.
- Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome): One of the most popular trails in the Smokies, this 1.3-mile paved incline offers views of the highest point in Tennessee and the Appalachian Trail. It is well worth the climb for the photo ops.
Check out our Gatlinburg hiking trails guide for more suggestions.
Be sure to check weather conditions and road closures before heading out for your hike, especially during the wintertime.
3. Chase Waterfalls Across the Park
The Smoky Mountains are laced with cascading waterfalls, and chasing them makes for one of the most rewarding ways to spend a day in the park.
There’s nothing better than cooling off near a waterfall on a warm summer day in the Smokies. The combination of ancient forest and rushing water is hard to beat.
The good news is that most waterfalls near Gatlinburg are accessible by easy hikes, making them the perfect family-friendly activities. However, a few involve longer walks and climbs for those looking for a challenge.
Here are some of our favorite waterfalls in the Smokies:
- Grotto Falls Trail: An easy 2.6-mile round-trip that crosses multiple streams and leads to a unique waterfall that you can walk behind. This hike is perfect for families.
- Rainbow Falls: A steep but stunning 5.4-mile round-trip climb to an 80-foot waterfall that produces a visible rainbow on sunny afternoons.
- Spruce Flats Falls: A short, 1.7-mile round-trip hike that gives you the remote experience without going far. Best for active families, it’s a short hike with rugged terrain.
Discover even more options in the full guide to Stunning Waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains.
4. Visit Downtown Gatlinburg’s Attractions
Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani
Gatlinburg’s main strip is one of those places that has something for everyone. The walkable downtown stretches along the base of the mountains and is packed with shops, eateries, arcades, family-friendly events, and only-in-Gatlinburg attractions.
Gatlinburg SkyPark is one of the most popular destinations in Gatlinburg for a reason. Featuring a scenic chairlift and sky bridge perched high above the Smokies, the park’s attractions offer sweeping views of the mountain ridgeline and the town below.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is another fun, family-friendly activity in Gatlinburg. Full of unique and wonderful exhibits for every age, Ripley’s offers a day packed with extraordinary wonders. For all things sea, be sure to visit Ripley’s Aquarium in Downtown Gatlinburg as well.
5. Go Moonshine Tasting in Gatlinburg
Tennessee has a long and storied moonshine tradition, and Gatlinburg is one of the best places in the state to sample it.
Ole Smoky Distillery sits right on the strip and is the most visited distillery in the world. The atmosphere is lively, and the flavors range from traditional white whiskey to fruit-infused varieties.
Sugarlands Distilling Company is a short walk away from Ole Smoky and is known for its smooth shine and craft cocktail bar. The outdoor patio is a great spot to linger.
We’ve got a full guide to moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg, so be sure to check it out if moonshining is on your list of Gatlinburg must-do activities.
6. Go White Water Rafting on the Pigeon River
The Pigeon River runs right through the Smoky Mountains and offers one of the most accessible white water rafting experiences in the Southeast. The river splits into two sections to suit different comfort levels:
The Upper Pigeon River is the more adventurous option, with Class III and IV rapids that give even experienced paddlers a genuine thrill. This stretch runs about 5 miles long, allowing for a 1-hour trip on the river.
The Lower Pigeon River is a calmer float with Class I and II rapids, ideal for families, beginners, or anyone who wants the scenery without the adrenaline. Expect between 1.5 and 2 hours on the water.
Several outfitters operate near Gatlinburg, with guided trips that include all equipment and instruction. It is a great half-day activity that pairs well with a hike or a downtown stroll afterward.
If you’d rather enjoy the local waterways at a much slower pace, consider spending a few hours trout fishing instead.
7. Visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge
Photo Credit: Michael Gordon
Dollywood is one of the most beloved theme parks in the country, and it earns that reputation year after year. Located in Pigeon Forge, about six miles from Gatlinburg, the park blends thrilling rides with live entertainment, Appalachian culture, and exceptional food.
The park is family-oriented but remains a genuinely fun activity for adults, with roller coasters, seasonal festivals, and a full water park attached. The craftsmanship throughout the grounds reflects the surrounding region, making it feel like more than just a typical amusement park.
8. Spot Wildlife Along the Cades Cove Loop
Cades Cove is an 11-mile loop road winding through a wide open valley surrounded by mountains. It is the single best spot in the Smokies to see wildlife in their natural habitat, and mornings or evenings dramatically increase your chances.
Here are some of the most iconic wildlife sightings in Cades Cove:
- White-tailed deer: Common throughout the loop, often grazing in the meadows near the treeline at dawn and dusk.
- Black bears: The Smokies are home to around 1,500 black bears, and Cades Cove is one of the most reliable places to spot them.
- Wild turkeys: Frequently seen pecking through the grassy areas, often in small groups and surprisingly unbothered by passing vehicles.
The loop also passes historic homesteads, mills, and churches that give a glimpse into the lives of early Appalachian settlers.
Since there is only one way in and out, the loop can be heavily trafficked during peak tourist seasons. Plan to spend at least two to three hours here, giving yourself plenty of time to stop and enjoy all of the scenery around you.
Pro tip: Every Wednesday during the summer months, Cades Cove is closed to vehicles, allowing cyclists and runners a safe way to enjoy the 11-mile loop.
9. Drive Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road, also known as U.S. 441, is the only road that cuts all the way through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, connecting Gatlinburg on the Tennessee side to Cherokee in North Carolina.
The 31-mile drive is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the entire country, and it has plenty of great spots to stop off at along the way.
Be sure to check out Newfound Gap Overlook. Situated at 5,046 feet, it’s one of the easiest high-elevation viewpoints to reach by car in the eastern United States.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located near the Cherokee entrance, is worth a stop for exhibits on Cherokee history and the Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to it.
The full drive takes about an hour without stops, but plan for a full half-day if you want to explore the overlooks and side roads properly.
10. Browse the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
About two miles east of downtown Gatlinburg, an 8-mile loop road winds through one of the largest communities of independent artisans in the United States. Established in 1937, the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is home to almost 100 studios, galleries, and shops.
Most studios welcome visitors to watch the artists at work, which makes for a genuinely interesting experience rather than just a shopping trip.
You can find anything from hand-thrown pottery, stained glass, hand-woven baskets, woodworking, and oil painting. It’s a great way to bring home something made by a real craftsperson rather than a mass-produced souvenir.
Start Planning Your Smoky Mountain Trip
The Smoky Mountains pack an enormous amount of variety into one destination. Whether you spend your days on the trail, floating the river, or cruising through Cades Cove at dusk, there is no shortage of ways to fill a Smoky Mountain itinerary.
The best trips start with the right place to stay. A treehouse at Treehouse Grove puts you right in the heart of the mountains with the comfort and seclusion to make every evening feel like a reward.
What are you waiting for? Book your treehouse and get ready for an adventure to remember.
